Wildcats match last season's road win total over first weekend

What a difference a year makes.

The Wildcats returned to Tucson with a 2-0 record after defeating Arkansas and Tulsa over the Labor Day weekend.

The Wildcats beat Tulsa 2-1 yesterday, leading the entire game.

Sophomore midfielder Krista Bogdan set the tone for the match early, scoring her second goal of the weekend on a pass from sophomore midfielder Jill Micone in the first four minutes of the game.

Junior forward Nikki Jones increased the lead, scoring her first goal of the season 11 minutes into the first half. Micone picked up the assist on Jones' goal when she sent the ball through Tulsa's defense.

Tulsa's goal came late in the first half.

It was an even game throughout with UA recording 10 shots on goal while Tulsa took nine.

Arizona picked up the intensity in the second half, when UA junior midfielder Megen Page entered the game for additional support.

"Megen did a solid job in the midfield," UA head coach Lisa Fraser said. "She played the entire second half. It was vital that we were able to keep our lead for two halves."

A sophomore hat trick lifted the Wildcats over Arkansas on Saturday in Fayetteville, Ark.

Three different sophomores scored for the Wildcats in the 3-0 victory.

Micone found the back of the net first, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead in the first half. Razorback freshman goalkeeper Jessica Shoffner misplayed a pass back from her defender and Micone was there to capitalize.

Arizona's second goal came from Bogdan three minutes into the second half, when she chipped a ball over Arkansas' offside trap.

Sophomore midfielder Sara Field finished off the Razorbacks, scoring her first collegiate goal. Late in the second half, Field cut back on the Arkansas defender and drilled a shot just inside the far post.

"It was a good game, we played a better style of play," Fraser said. "Good communication on the field and solid one-two touches was the key."

Fraser added that the midfield played well in the first half while the defense stepped up in the second.

In the first half UA's defense seemed flat-footed. Arkansas tried to take advantage by lobbing long balls over the defense. Although the Razorbacks had three breakaways, they managed only one shot on goal. Fraser said the defense adjusted at halftime, dropping back to prevent the Arkansas chip.

The Razorbacks were the 1996 Southeastern Conference Western Division champions, but didn't play like it, according to Fraser.

"I was surprised by Arkansas, they were not as fit as they could have been," Fraser said. "We were definitely in better shape."

Last year the Wildcats started the season 0-5.

"Our ability to keep possession was key in our wins this weekend," Fraser said.